Dan Pražák About a month ago escaped Apple's internal document for authorized dealers, from which we learned that the new MacBooks and iMacs have a special software mechanism that makes it practically impossible to repair the device outside the company's official services. However, the fact was not officially confirmed, and experts from iFixit additionally came later message, that the mentioned mechanism is not yet fully active. But now the Californian giant for The Verge confirmed that the software lock is indeed present in the new Macs and blocks some repairs by regular users or unauthorized services.
The restriction specifically applies to all Apple computers equipped with the new Apple T2 security chip. Specifically, these are the iMac Pro, MacBook Pro (2018), MacBook Air (2018) and the new Mac mini. When repairing or replacing any of the components on the listed Macs, a special software lock is activated. Thanks to it, the locked device is basically unusable and it is therefore necessary to unlock it after service intervention using the diagnostic tool Apple Service Toolkit 2, which, however, is only available to technicians in Apple stores and authorized services.
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According to the information so far, the lock is activated when most components are repaired, the modification of which could compromise the security of the computer. First of all, when servicing Touch ID or the motherboard, which has now been confirmed by Apple itself. However, the company has not yet revealed the complete list of components. According to the internal document, it will also be problematic to replace the display, keyboard, Trackpad, Touch Bar speakers and all parts that are connected to the upper part of the MacBook chassis. For iMac Pro, the system locks up after hitting the flash storage or the motherboard.
It is certain that the same limitation will apply to all future Macs. Apple implements its dedicated T2 security chip in all of its new computers, and let the latest MacBook Air and Mac mini, which premiered just two weeks ago, be the proof. The question remains, however, whether maximum security is better for end customers or rather the possibility of repairing the computer yourself or taking it to an unauthorized service center, where repairs are significantly cheaper.
How do you view Apple's move? Are you willing to go for higher security at the expense of repairability?
If you can change the RAM, HDD (storage), it is RELATIVELY acceptable. But I understand that Apple can only provide a full guarantee of long-term functionality (I don't mean just the warranty period) with professional servicing.
Doesn't repair in an unauthorized service automatically void the warranty? ;)
So maybe at least the battery can be replaced, or the fan.?
The problem is that authorized services do not repair, but replace. And that makes a huge difference! Especially in the price for us poor end users. A new mainboard, a new display, a new... costs money in the same order as buying a new computer. And if the components were at least new - but they are not - they are refurbished.
It specifically happened to me that the so-called authorized service declared that the MacBook was beyond repair. They say they don't have a complete set of spare parts to replace the entire laptop (stupid, Apple diagnostics told them that absolutely everything, mainboard, display, keyboard) is out of order.
Well, a non-authorized service for CZK 2500 performed diagnostics and replaced the power circuit directly on the board (yes, they had to do something as unbelievable as soldering for today's "authorized" technicians).
As a result, the MacBook in question has been in service for another year without any problems.
So Apple's attempt to kill such options is evidently part of strategies similar to slowing down devices with excuses such as low battery, but with the real purpose of forcing us to buy a new…
It's all about Apple's lies. Apple lies about being an ecological company. In reality, something goes wrong and it can be fixed for a few euros plus labor, but Apple prefers to throw away the entire board with functional chips and wants hundreds to thousands of euros for a new one. And it is also questionable whether it is really a new board or a recycled one. It would be best if the EU showed Apple to buy back all devices that are "irreparable", as in the USA they showed Volkswagen to buy back all cars with engines with higher emissions than the standards allow. Apple should also be obliged to provide all instructions on how to fix what it no longer supports or buy it back.